Voting machine

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for selectively producing electrical pulses representative of a particular selection made by the operator of the apparatus. The apparatus is disclosed in the form of a voting machine built up of modular components which fit together to form any of a plurality of different voting arrangements. The voting machine is substantially tamper-proof and has the following basic components: an input module, a frame assembly, a first control module, a first vote module, a second control module, a second vote module, a terminal module, a write-in module, a slave input module, and a third control module. The modules may be placed together in selected fashion to define a voting machine for voting in any type of political race and which will prevent overvoting. The different modules fit together in such manner that they cannot be separated without a key to unlock the same, thereby reducing the possibility of tampering with the election results. Moreover, each module is constructed in such manner that the module may be checked prior to assembly of the voting machine to insure proper functioning of the module once it is assembled.

United States Patent 1 1' Martin et al.

[ July 17, 1973 VOTING MACHINE [76] Inventors: Roy A. Martin, 809Wellesley Drive N.W.; Clarence E. Pittman, 2479 Peachtree Road NE, bothof Atlanta, Ga. 30305 {22] Filed: Apr. 28, 1972 [2]] Appl. No.2 248,755

Related U.S. Application Data [62 Division of Ser. No. 755,688, Aug. 27,l968.

Primary Examiner-Stephen J. Tomsky Attorney-Newton, Hopkins & Ormsby[57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for selectively producing electrical pulsesrepresentative of a particular selection made by the operator of theapparatus. The apparatus is disclosed in the form of a voting machinebuilt up of modular components which fit together to form any of aplurality of different voting arrangements. The voting machine issubstantially tamper-proof and has the following basic components: aninput module, a frame assembly, a first control module, a first votemodule, a second control module, a second vote module, a terminalmodule, a write-in'module, a slave input module, and a third controlmodule. The modules may be placed together in selected fashion to definea voting machine for voting in any type of political race and which willprevent overvoting. The different modules fit together in such mannerthat they cannot be separated without a key to unlock the same, therebyreducing the possibility of tampering with the election results.Moreover, each module is constructed in such manner that the module maybe checked prior to assembly of the voting machine to insure properfunctioning of the module once it is assembled.

3 Claims, 25 Drawing Figures Patented July 17, 1973 3,746,248

12 Sheets-Sheet 1 GES-4 'IES Patented July 17, 1973 12 Sheets-Sheet 2Patcnted July 17, 1973 3,746,248

12 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patnnted July 17, 1973 v 3,146,245

12 Sheets-Sheet 1 Patented July 17, 1973 3,746,248

12 Sheets-Sheet 5 12 Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented July 17, 1973 Patented July17, 1973 12 Sheets-Sheet 7 Patented July 17, 1973 12 Sheets-Sheet 8 1 JQT 2; u m mi N r. m mvu U wEN w-m\\ v9 i. F r TQM JEN 9; J5 v-9; 3 m mir l I l l I L W I .l 69 glfw m 12 Sheets-Sheet 9 Patented July 17, 1973Patented July 17, 1973 12 Sheets-Sheet 10 Paten ted July 17, 19733,746,248

12 Sheets-Sheet 11 Patented July 17, 1973 12 Sheets-Sheet 1:

1 w E Tau BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention Thisinvention relates generally to apparatus for producing electrical pulsesrepresentative of a particular selection made on the apparatus and moreparticularly to a built-up type voting machine having modular componentswhich fit together to define the complete machine.

2. Discussion of the Prior Art There are basically two types of votingmachines on the market today. One of these types is the mechanicalvoting machine such as that manufactured by the Auto matic VotingMachine Company of Jamestown, NY. and another type is the vote recorderusing a computer input card as that manufactured by the I.B.M.Corporation of Armonk, N.Y.

One of the major problems with the mechanical type voting machine is itsvery high initial cost. Also, the mechanical type voting machine isextremely heavy and requires extensive preventive maintenance to insurethat the voting machine operates properly. Moreover, the mechanical typevoting machine requires storage in a controlled environment to preventcorrosion of the votingmachines during storage. The construction of themechanical type voting machine allows tampering to change the results ofthe election. Moreover, set-up for these mechines is very time-consumingand requires I a skilled technician.

While the vote recorder type voting machine does not require extensivemaintenance or storage in a controlled environment, the results of theelection can be very easily changed by placing certain objects in thevote recorder to change the position of the computer card therein as itis being punched. Moreover, the requirement that the computer card becarried to a centralized location to be run through the tabulatingcomputer greatly increases the likelihood of the election results beingchanged by tampering. While the initial cost of the vote recorder,itself, is relatively low, the cost of a computer to total the resultsindicated by the computer cards from the vote recorder is veryexpensive. Moreover, set-up for the election books for use in theserecorders is very time-consuming. The time required for correctingerrors is prohibitiveand the necessity of repunching the computer cardsthat do not initially run in the computer introduces a high risk ofelection fraud.

SUMMARY OF .THE INVENTION These and other problems associated with priorart voting machines are overcome by the invention disclosed herein inthat the construction of the modules used to make up the voting machineis such that the assembled voting'machine cannot be tampered with tochange the election results. Moreover, the use of a minimum number ofdifferent types of modules to make up the machine greatly reduces theoverall cost of the voting machine. The use of modules to make up themachine allows the machine size to be varied in ac-' cordance with thesize of the election so that the machine size is kept to a minimum. Themodules are electrically connected together so that not only isovervoting prevented, but the results indicated by the machine may befed to a central location for recording the votes automatically from theprecincts. Furthermore, by electrically connecting the modules, thevarious components may be selectively located remotely of the machineproper, resulting in the best possible machine layout and the mosteffective useof each component.

Therefore, it is one of the objects of the invention to provide a votingmachine which is accurate and which prevents varying of the electionresults by tampering with the machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine which mayactuate local and remote computer devices for recording the votes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine which isinexpensive to manufacture, durable in structure, and efficient inoperation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a voting machinethat has few moving parts and which requires substantially nomaintenance.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine made upofmodular components of minimum cost so that any one of the modularcomponents may be discarded when it functions improperly.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine which 1can be serviced by inexperienced personnel.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine whichlends itself to an infinite variety of arrangements for different sizesand types of elections.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine which isnot limited to a predetermined number of issues which can be presented.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine which maybe readily and easily operated.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine whichrequires minimum supervision when in use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine whichprovides for write-in votes and which will automatically store suchwrite-in votes.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine in whichthe vote counters cannot be reset until the machine is disassembled andin which the vote counters will be automatically zeroed upon assembly ofthe machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine whichprovides verification to the voter of his selection of a candidate orissue and verification of the actual recording thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine whichincludes a supervisory indication to the poll worker that voting hastaken place.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine which,when the votes are to be counted, per mits simultaneous observation ofthe counters by a number of people for verification of thetotal numberof votes recorded for each candidate or issue.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine whichrequires little space for storage and which is corrosion-free. 7

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine which maybe electrically connected to a central location to provide signalsthereto for recording the vote at this central location.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine which iscomplete in itself and which can be easily transported to a centrallocation for the counting of the votes in a sealed or unsealedcondition.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine whichverifies the number of voters using the machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a voting machine which canbe operated from batteries.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the inventiondisclosed herein will become more apparent from consideration of thefollowing specification and accompanying drawings wherein likecharacters of reference designate corresponding parts throughout theseveral views and in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view ofan assembled voting machine;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the voting machine shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one of the control modules of theinvention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a vote module of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the vote module shown in FIG. 4showing the plug connection therefor;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the write-in vote module of theinvention;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of two modules showing how thevote recording counters are reset;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the write-in module with portions thereofremoved to show the internal components thereof;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9--9 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-l0 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 1 1 is an enlarged partial perspective view showing theconstruction of the cover door of the write-in module;

FIG. 12 is an electrical schematic diagram for the input module of theinvention;

- FIG. 13 is an electrical schematic diagram for the party controlmodule of the invention;

FIG. 14 is an electrical schematic diagram for the party vote module of,the invention;

FIG. 15 is an electrical schematic diagram for the write-in vote moduleof the invention;

FIG. 16 is an electrical schematic diagram for the individual controlmodule of the invention;

FIG. 17 is an electrical schematic diagram for the individual votemodule of the invention;

FIG. 18 is an electrical schematic diagram for the terminal module ofthe invention;

FIG. 19 is an electrical schematic diagram for the slave input module ofthe invention;

FIG. 20 is an electrical schematic diagram for the multiple controlmodule of the invention;

F [0.21 is an electrical schematic diagram for part of an assembledvoting machine;

FIG. 22 is an electrical schematic diagram for the rest of the assembledvoting machine of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a partial elevational view of a second embodiment of thelockout means to prevent overvoting;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the lockout means shown in FIG. 23;and

FIG. 25 is an electrical schematic diagram showing the multiple controlmodule in use.

These figures and the following detailed description disclose specificembodiments of the invention; however, the inventive concept is notlimited thereto since it may be embodied in other forms.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE I EMBODIMENTS Referring in detail to thefigures of the drawings, it will be seen that the apparatus of theinvention illustrated is a built-up structure using an assembly ofdifferent types of modules, blocks or closures which fit together toform the completed voting machine. It is to be understood, however,that, while one particular arrangement of modules is depicted in thedrawings, the voting machine may have a variety of arrangements to suitthe particular requiements of a particular plebiscite.

In the embodiment chosen for illustrating our invention, the majorcomponents include a plurality of modules M, a power supply PS, and thesupport frame assembly J. There are, however, basically nine differenttypes of modules M associated with the machine, these being an inputmodule 10, a party control module 11, a party vote module 12, individualcontrol module 14, an individual vote module 15, a write-in vote module16, a terminal module 18, a slave input module 19 and a multiple controlmodule 20. The modules M are illustrated assembled to form a generalelection section designated by the letters GES and an independentelection section designated by the letters IES.

The input module '10 properly connects the other modules to the powersupply PS to operate the same. In the disclosed embodiment of themachine, the mod ule 10 also provides the total vote pulse producingfunction for the machine, the reset function of the machine, and thecorrect function of the machine. There is one module 10 associated witheach voting machine.

The party control module 11 controls the lockout function for all of thevote modules 12, 15 and 18 in the general election section GES. Itrenders the select portions of the modules 12, 15 and 18 inoperativewhen one of the vote modulesl2 is energized It does not, however,haveany effect on the vote modules 15 and 18 in the independent electionsection IES. There will be one party control module 11 associatedwitheach general election section GES.

The party vote module 12 controls the select function for one party inthe general election section GES. There will be one module 12 for eachparty in the general election. The module 12 also controls the groundreturn path for the control modules 11 and 14 in the general electionsection GES to carry out the lockout function.

An individual control module 14 is associated with each individual racein both the general election section GES and the independent electionsection IES.

- The modules 14 control the lockout function for each path of itsassociated individual control module 14 for that political race to carryout the lockout function thereof.

A write-in vote module 18 is associated with each political race inwhich write-in votes are expected. Each module 18 performs a selectfunction and controls the ground return path as does the modules 15. Inaddition, each module 18 provides an internally carried write-in ballotfor the voter to write in his vote. It is also understood that awrite-in vote module 18 may be provided for write-in party voting in theparty grouping of the general election section GES.

A terminal module 16 is associated at the end of each general electionsection GES and at the end of each unit of the voting machine carried bythe frame assembly J. The modules 16 provide ground return paths for themodules 11-16 between it and the input module as well as a transfer ofthe total vote pulse producing function, the reset function, and thecorrection function to the other modules 14-16 in that unit of thevoting machine carried by each frame assembly J.

The slave input module 19 allows a voting machine to be made up ofseveral units, each unit being carried by a separate frame assembly J.This makes provision for the voting machine to be expanded to encompassany size election while controlling the election with one input module10. The slave input module 19 is placed in the same position in each ofthe additional units of the voting machine as is the input module 10 inthe first unit of the machine. It is connected to the module 10 directlyor indirectly through other modules 19 and transfers the total votepulse producing function, the reset function, and the correct functionfrom the module 10 to the modules 1 1-18 in that unit associated withthe slave input module 19.

The multiple control module 20 makes provision for voting for more thanone candidate in a political race such as is usually the case for countycommissioners. The multiple control module 20 is placed between thecontrol module 14 and the vote modules 15 and 18 in the-multiple voterace. The module serves to bypass the lockout function of its associatedmodules 14, 15 and 16 until the voter has selected the prescribed numberof candidates in that particular race.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated, the vote counter foreach party or candidate is carried in the particular vote module 12, 15or 18 associated with that candidate. Until the voter makes hisselection, none of the counters are connected to ground or to the hotwire. When the select switch of a module 12, 15 or 18 is depressed bythe voter to select the candidate for which he wants to vote, theassociated counter is connected to ground. When the input module 10 isactuated to perform the vote pulse producing function, it connects allof the counters to a hot wire. This actuates these counters connected toground to record the votes. In this manner, no voltage can be imposedacross the counters until the vote lever is pulled.

While the vote lever to initiate the total vote producing function islocated in the input module 10, it is understood that it may be remotelylocated and still operate properly. While the correct lever to initiatethe correct function of the machine is located in the input module 10,it likewise may be remotely located and still operate properly. The votecounters are illustrated located in each vote module 12, 15 or 18;however, it is understood that these counters may be easily locatedremotely of the machine and still operate properly simply by theirconnection to the pulse producing circuitry of the invention. Likewise,it is understood that a central computer vote counting station may beconnected to the vote pulse producing circuitry of the invention tocumulatively record the votes from several remote voting locations.

FRAME ASSEMBLY The frame assembly I supports the various modules 10-20when they are assembled and presents them at a convenient height andangle for voting. The frame assembly J includes a pair of spaced apartparallel support rods 21 which are generally vertically oriented whenthe voting machine is in use. The upper ends of the support rods 21 arejoined by an upper end cap 22 which is fixed with respect to the supportrods 21. The lower ends of the support rods 21 extend through a lowerend cap 24 through appropriate apertures 23 therein with the modules10-20 being selectively carried in different numbers between the upperend cap 22 and the lower end cap 24. For selectively locking the modules10-20 between the end caps 22 and 24, a plurality of apertures 25 areprovided through each of the support rods 21 with the apertures 25 ofone support rod 21 being aligned with the apertures 25 in the othersupport rod 21. A locking pin 26 is selectively extendable through apassage 28 through the lower end cap 24 and through appropriateapertures 25 through the support rods 21 to affix the selective numberof modules 10-20 between the end caps 22 and 24. An appropriate passage29 is provided through one end of the locking pin 26 and a head 30 isprovided on the other end of the locking pin 26 so that a conventionalpadlock P may be inserted through passage 28 to lock the pin 26 inposition and prevent the diassembly of the voting machine until thepadlock P is removed.

The frame assembly J also includes a support stand which may be mountedon a conventional table T and includes a support plate 31 definingappropriate passages 32 therethrough which receive the support rods 21therethrough and position the voting machine at the desired angle. Theheight of the table T determines the vertical position of the votingmachine when it is placed on the support plate 31. Therefore, it will beseen that the modules 10-20 are selected to properly construct thevoting machine for the desired number of political races and areslidably positioned between the support rods 21. After the desirednumber of modules 10-19 are placed between the support rods 21, thebottom end cap 24 is slipped thereon and the locking pin 26 is placedtherethrough. The padlock P is placed through the passage 28 to lock thevoting machine together. It will be seen that the apertures 25 throughthe support pins 21 are so arranged that the modules 10-20 will alwaysbe tightly locked between the end caps 22 and 24 and cannot bedisassembled until the padlock is removed from the locking pin 26. Inthis manner, the voting machine can be assembled at one location, thentransported to the polling station, and placed in the support plate 31for the voting to take place. After the voting is completed, the votingmachine is removed from the support plate 31 and taken to a centraltabulating station so that the total vote may be tabulated from thecounters indicating the vote on the voting machine.

Each of the illustrated modules 10-20 are of standard thin wallconstruction and are provided with a positioning lug L at each endthereof as best seen in FIGS. 1-6 which position the modules between thesupport rods 21 in a stacked relationship. It is understood that themodules 10-20 may be a molded unit with the components positionedtherein prior to molding. This type construction is ideally suited forthe modules since the cost thereof is so low that a module can bediscarded rather than repaired when it functions improperly. Also, thecomponents may be first encapsulated and then placed in the module.

The fronts of modules 12 and 15 are provided with windows 23 which havespaces for candidate and party cards. Modules 11-15 and 20 are providedwith overhanging lips 27 which close the top of the window 23 of thenext lower module when the machine is assembled to prevent the cardsfrom being changed during the election or before disassembly.

INPUT MODULE The input module 10 controls the overall operation of thevoting machine. It is connected to the power supply PS and to each ofthe other modules 11-18 and 20 through male and female plug connectionsA and B. The module 10 is best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 and in theelectrical schematic of FIGS. 12 and 21.

The illustrated input module 10 carries the vote lever 35 which causesthe vote selected for each race to be recorded. A correct lever 36 isalso provided which allows correction prior to the time vote lever 35 ispulled to record the votes.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 12 and 21, the module 10 isconnected to the power supply PS through terminals X, Y and Z. Commonground wire 40 is connected to terminal Y, and common hot wire 41 isconnected to terminal Z. A reset unit 42 which resets the voting machinefor the next voter is connected to the module 10 through terminals Q, R,T and V. The module 10 is provided with a plug connection A with anumber of connections designated 10-1 to 10-9.

Each side of each of the modules 11-18 and 20 is provided withcorresponding plug connections, the female portion B located on one sideand the male portion A on the opposite side. In this manner the modulescan be stacked between the guide rods 21 and connections madetherebetween. Each connection of each module will be referenced by themodule designation with a connection number suffix and a letter sufiixto indicate male or female portion. For example, the first male portionof the module 11 connection will be designated 11-1A. These connectionsmate with each other and with connections 10-1 to 10-9 of the module 10.The connections 1A and 1B are associated with the common ground wireforthe circuit and the connections 7A and 7B are associated with the commonhot wire for the circuit. Connections 8A and 88 a are associated withthe vote pulse producing function of the circuit while connections 9Aand 9B are associated with the reset and correct function of thecircuit. Connections 2A and 28, 3A and 38, 4A and 4B, 5A and 5B, and 6Aand 6B serve as ground controls for the select portions of the circuitand are therefore associated with the lockout function of the circuit toprevent overvoting.

Common hot wire 41 is connected to hot wire 44 which is in turnconnected to the connection 10-7.

Common ground wire 40 is connected directly to connection 10-1. Wire 45connects ground wire 40 with the voting circuit 46 and correct circuit48. Vote circuit 46 is connected between wire 45 and wire 44 andcomprises the normally closed contacts Rl-l, the coil RC2 of relay R2and the vote pushbutton switch PB-l in series. Therefore, it will beseen that closing switch PB-l energizes coil RC2. Correct circuit 48 isconnected between secondary ground wire 49 and wire 45, the wire 49being connected to connection 109. Correct circuit 48 includes correctpushbutton switch PB-Z and normally closed contacts R2-2 of relay R2 inseries with each other and in parallel with normally open contacts R1-2.Therefore, it will be seen that closing switch PB-l or contacts R1-2will connect wire 49 to common ground wire 40. If relay R2 is energized,switch PB-Z becomes ineffective. Connecting secondary ground wire 49 tocommon ground wire 40 resets all of the modules 10-16 and 18.

Secondary hot wire 50 is connected to connection 10-8 and to hot wire 44through normally open contacts R2-1 of relay R2. Therefore, it will beseen that wire 50 will have a voltage applied thereto when relay R2 isenergized by closing switch PB-l or the vote switch. This serves toactivate the vote counters associated with each of the activated votemodules 12, 15 and 16, as will be explained hereinafter, to record votesfor the selected candidates. Coil RC2 of relay R2 is maintainedenergized after switch PB-l is opened by wire 51 which connects one sideof coil RC2 with secondary hot wire 50. Coil RC2 is de-energized whencontacts Rl-l are opened by energizing relay R1.

Coil RC1 of relay R1 is connected between hot wire 41 and ground wire 45through connection Q, reset pushbutton switch PB-3 of reset unit 42, andconnection R. Therefore,.it will be seen that closing switch PB-3 willclose contacts R1-2 to connect wire 49 to ground and open contacts Rl-lto de-energize relay R2 and reset the machine.

Reset unit also includes an indicator light L1 connected between groundwire 45 and secondary hot wire 50 through connection R and connection V.Thus, when voltage is applied to wire 50, light L1 will be illuminatedto indicate to the poll worker that voting has taken place. When switchPB-3 is closed by the poll worker, voltage is removed from wire 50because contacts R2-1 are opened and light L1 goes out.

To indicate the total number of people who have voted on the votingmachine and for verifying the vote cards kept by the poll worker, acounter O1 is provided in the input module 10. The counter C-l iselectrically operated and is connected between ground wire 40 and asecondary hot wire 50. Therefore, when switch PB-l is closed, counterC-l will be activated to record that one person has voted. The counterG] will be covered until the voting machine is transported to thecentral tabulating station as will be explained hereinafter.

Connection 10-2 is connected to ground wire 40 for connection with theindividual control module 14 as described hereinafter. Connections Ithrough V are provided for connection to the slave input module 19.Connection'l is connected to secondary hot wire 50, connection II isconnected with secondary ground wire 49, connection III is connected tohot wire 44 and connection IV is connected to common ground wire 40through wire 45. In this manner, more than one stack of modules 11-18may be controlled by the control module as will be explainedhereinafter.

PARTY CONTROL MODULE The party control module 11 controls the party votemodules 12 connected thereto and is best seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 13. Themodule 11 includes a ready light L2 which indicates when the party votesection is ready to operate, a reset relay R3 and an operational relayR4 which controls overvoting in the party and individual candidatevoting sections.

Ground connection 11-1A is connected directly to connection 11-18through wire 54 and wire 54is connected to connection 11-28. Wire 54 isalso connected to control connection 11-58 through normally closedcontacts R3-2 of relay R3 and to connection 11-68 through normally opencontacts R3-l of relay R3 and wire 52. Wire 52 is also connected tocontrol connection 11-48 through normally open contacts R4-1 of relayR4.

Hot connection l1-7A is connected directly to connection 11-78 throughwire 55 and secondary hot connection 1l-8A is connected directly toconnection 11- 88. Secondary ground connection 11-9A is connecteddirectly to connection 11-98 through wire 56. Coil RC3 of relay R3 isconnected between wire 56 and 55 and coil RC4 of relay R4 is connectedbetween wires 55 and 52. Light L2 is connected across coil RC4 inparallel therewith.

When coil RC3 is momentarily energized, contacts R3-l are closed andcontacts R3-2 are opened. This connects coil RC4 to ground anddisconnects the counters of the modules 12 from ground so that coil RC4will be energized and held in that condition for the modules 12 tooperate as will be explained. It will also be seen that relay R3 isenergized both to reset the machine and to correct the machine prior tothe time the vote lever 35 is pulled. This feature will be more fullyexplained in the operation section.

PARTY VOTE MODULE The party vote module 12 is best seen in FIGS. 5 and14. It includes a select pushbutton switch PB-4 for selecting aparticular party in the election, there being one module 12 for eachparty in the race. When the switch PB-4 is momentarily closed, a counterC-2 associated with the module 12 will be connected for activation whenvote lever 35 is pulled and a select light L3 will be illuminated.

Referring specifically to FIG. 14, ground connection 12-1A is connecteddirectly to connection 12-18, control connection l2-2A is connected toconnection 12-28 through normally closed contacts R6-2 and controlconnection l2-4A is connected'directly to connection 12-48. Controlconnection 12-5A is connected to connection 12-58 through wire 58 andcontrol connec tion 12-6A is connected to connection 12-68 through wire60. Hot connection 12-7A is connected to connection 12-78 through wire59. Secondary hot connection 12-8A is connected to connection 12-8B.through wire 61, and secondary ground connection 12-9A is connecteddirectly to connection 12-98.

Coil RC5 of relay R5 is connected between wires 59 and 60 in series withselect pushbutton switch P8-4. Relay R5 serves to initiate theconnection of the counter to ground.

Counter C-2 is connected to wire 61 and to normally open contacts R6-lof relay R6 through wire 62 and contacts R6-1 are in turn connected towire 58 through wire 64. Wire 65 connectes one side of coil RC6 of relayR6 to wire 59 and wire 66 connects the other side of coil RC6 tonormally open contacts R5-l of relay R5. Contacts RS-l are in turnconnected to wire 64. Wire 68 connects wires 66 and 62 and select lightL3 is connected between wires 65 and 62. Relay R6 serves to hold counterC-2 connected to ground until deenergized when the machine is reset.

The party vote module 12 always follows a party control module 11 oranother vote module 12 which is in turn connected to the party controlmodule 11. In this manner wire 59 will always be connected directly tocommon hot wire 41, wire 61 will always be connected directly tosecondary hot wire 50. Wire 58 will be connected to common ground wirethrough normally closed contacts R3-2. Wire 60 will be connected toground wire 40 through contacts R4-1, the modules 12-16 and 20 betweenthe module 12 and the terminal module 18, and back through each of thecontacts'R6-2 in the party vote modules 12.

When contacts R4-1 are closed and there is a ground path availablethrough the modules 12-16 and 20 as will be explained later, relay R5will be energized to close contacts RS-l. This energizes relay R6 byconnecting coil RC6 to ground wire 40 through contacts R3-2. Energizingrelay R6 opens contacts R6-2 and closes contacts R6-1 associated withthe energized relay R6. Closing contacts R6-1 maintains coil RC6 andcounter C-2 connected to ground wire 40 through contacts R3-2. Openingcontacts R6-2 interrupts the ground path for wire 60 and relays R5 sothat relay R5 is not only de-energized, but cannot be re-energized whenswitch PB-S is closed. This condition is maintained until relay R3 isenergized to open contacts R3-2 and interrupt the ground path of relayR6 and counter INDIVIDUAL CONTROL MODULE L4 to indicate when theindividual voting section is operational and includes a reset relay R8for resetting or correcting the individual vote section. An operationalrelay R7 is also provided for maintaining the individual vote sectionoperational.

Referring more specifically to FIG. 16, ground connection 14-1A isconnected to connection 14-18 by wire 69 while control connection 14-2Ais connected to connection 14-28 by wire 70. Control connection 14-3A isconnected to wire 70 and control connection 14-4A is connected toconnection 1448 through normally open contacts R7-1 of relay R7. Wire 71connects normally open contacts R8-1 with wire 69 and wire 72 connectscontacts R7-1 with connection 14-68. Wire 71 is connected to connection14-58 through normally closed contacts R8-2 and wire 72 is connected toconnection 14-38 through normally open contacts R7-2 of relay R7.

Wire 74 connects hot connection 14-7A with connection 14-78, secondaryhot connection 14-8A is connected directly to connection 14-88, and wire75 connects secondary ground connection 14-9A with con- Ill . closingcontacts R8-1 and opening contacts R8-2. This connects coil RC7 toground and disconnects the counters of the vote modules 15 associatedtherewith from ground. This energizes relay R7 and holds it in thatcondition for the module 15 associated therewith to operate as will befurther explained in the operation section.

INDIVIDUAL VOTE MODULE The individual vote module 15, as best seen inFIGS. 1, 2 and 17, is similar in construction to the vote module l2 andis provided with a select pushbutton switch PB-S for selecting aparticular candidate or issue. A plurality of modules 15 are connectedto the control module 14 and operate in a manner similar to the partyvote section. There is one module 15 for each candidate and issue in theelection. I

As seen in FIG. 17, ground connection 15-1A is connected directly toconnection 15-18, control connection l-2A is connected directly toconnection 15-28, control connection 15-4A is connected directly toconnection 15-48, and secondary ground connection 15-9A is connecteddirectly to connection 15-98. Control connection 15-3A is connected toconnection 15-38 through normally closed contacts R-2 of relay R10, andwire 76 connects control connection -5A with connection 15-58. Controlconnection 15-6A is connected to connection 15-68 by wire 78, wire 79connects hot connection 15-7A with connection 15-78 and secondary hotconnection 15-8A is connected to connection 15-88 by wire 80.

Coil RC9 is connected between wires 78 and 79 in series with selectpushbutton switch PB-S. One side of vote counter C-3 is connected towire 80 and the other side of counter C-3 is connected to normally opencontacts' R10-1 of. relay R10 by wire 81. Normally open contacts R10-lare in turn connectedto wire 76 by wire 82. One side of coil RC10 ofrelay R10 is connected to wire 79 by wire 84 and the other side thereofis connected to normally open contacts R9-1 of relay R9 by wire 85. Thecontacts R9-1 are also connected to wire 82. Wire 85 is connected towire 81 by wire 86 and lamp L5 is connected between wires 84 and 81.Relay R9 serves to initiate the connection of the counter C-3 to groundand relay R6 serves to hold counter C-3 connected to ground untildeenergized when the machine is reset. When a voltage is imposed on wire80, counter C-3 will record one vote for the selected candidate orissue.

WRITE-IN VOTE MODULE The write-in vote module 16 is best seen in FIGS.6, 8-11, and 15. It presents a section of blank paper tape 90 to thevoter if he decides to write in his vote. The tape 90 is hidden by acover door 91 until the vote lever 35 is pulled. The tape 90 is carriedwithin a cartridge 150 by a driven spool 92 and an idler spool 94 withthe driven spool 92. A tape and door release mechanism 98 releases thetape 90 and opens the door 91 so that a predetermined amount of blanktape 90 is presented to the voter. The door 91 is closed by a closuremechanism 99 when the voting machine is reset. Therefore, the tape ispresented for voting and then stored internally in the machine.

Referring more specifically to FIGS. 8-11, the module 16 includes ahousing 100 defining an opening 101 in the front wall thereof. Anopening 102 is provided in the rear wall of the housing 100 for theinsertion therethrough of the cartridge 150 which carries the spools 92and 94 and the tape 90. When the cartridge 150 is fully seated in thehousing 100, a locking pin 15] is passed through the side wall 103 andlug 104 of the housing 100 and through appropriate apertures through thecartridge 150 to lock the same in the housing 100. A padlock P is passedthrough the end of the pin 151 and a lug 96 affixed to the housing 100to keep the cartridge 150 in place until the votes are ready to becounted.

The spools 92 and 94 are rotatably mounted in the cartridge 150 and theidler spool 94 is equipped with a resistance device of conventionaldesign to maintain a tension on the tape 90 as it is transferred fromthe spool 94 to the spool 92. A support table 152 is provided in theforward end of the cartridge 150. The tape- 90 passes over the table 152as it passes from the spool 94 to the spool 92. When the cartridge 150is in position in the housing 100, the support table 152 presents thetape 90 directly behind the opening 101 for the voter to write thereon.Idler rolls 154 direct the tape 90 over the table 152 and between spools92 and 94.

A hysteresis electric motor carried by the housing isdrivingly-connected to the spool 92, when the cartridge is in position,by a gearing arrangement I105. The motor 95 is constantly energized butthe movement of the tape 90 is intermittently stopped by a check pin155.

The check pin 155 is slidably carried by one of the side walls of thecartridge 150 adjacent the tape 90 as it passes from the spool 94 to thespool 92. The pin 155 has a projection 156 which engages one of a'series of pre-punched holes 158 (FIG. 10) through the tape 90 when thepin 155 is'pressed toward the tape 90. The holes 158 are punched apredetermined distance apart so that a blank piece of the tape 90 willbe presented over the table 152 each time thepin 155 releases the tape90 and re-engages the next hole 158. A leaf spring 159 constantly urgesthe pin 155 away from the tape 90 and a release mechanism 98intermittently urges the pin 155 toward the tape 90 to arrest themovement thereof. I

The tape 90 may be of any of a number of materials. The tape 90 shown isa paper tape commercially available on the market today and hassufficient strength to prevent it from tearing when the projection I56engages the holes 158.

The release mechanism 98 is carried by the housing 100 adjacent the pin155 when the cartridge 150 is in position. A bellcrank 111 connected toa solenoid SOL-l urges the pin 155 toward the tape 90 in its normalunenergized position. When the solenoid SOL-1 is energized, the plunger112 thereof is retracted to release pin 155 and allow spring 159 to moveprojection 156 out of hole 158. This permits the tape 90 to advance.Solenoid SOL-l is only momentarily energized so that pin 155 will againbe urged toward tape 90 and projection 156 will engage the next hole 158to arrest movement of tape 90. A blank piece of tape 90 is nowpositioned under opening 101'. A cam 110 on the bell crank 111 allowsthe cartridge 150 to be inserted in the housing 100 without interferencewith pin 156.

At the same time the tape 90 is released, the mechanism 98 also releasesthe cover door 91 so that it may be opened for the write-in vote. Thedoor 91 is pivoted to the housing 100 at 114 and is provided with acatch lug 115 which extends into the housing 100 through slot 116 whenthe door 91 is closed. A bolt assembly 118 carried within the housing100 engages the catch lug 115 and holds the door closed.

The bolt assembly 118 includes a bolt 119 slidably carried within thehousing and arranged for extension into a passage 120 through the lug115 when the door is closed. The bolt 119 is urged by spring 117 towardthe lug 115 and both the bolt and lug are complementarily beveled tocause the bolt 1 19 to retract as the door 91 is closed and then extendinto the passage 120 when the door is fully closed. This locks the doorin a closed position.

An extension 121 affixed to the bolt 119 is engaged by the bell crank111 as the plunger 112 is retracted to retract the bolt 119. This allowsthe door 91 to open and expose the tape 90 under the opening 101. Assoon as solenoid SOL-1 is de-energized, the bolt 119 is returned to itsextended position by spring 117.

The assembly 99 opens and closes the door 91 once it is unlatched. Theassembly 99 includes a solenoid SOL-2 which has its plunger 122 pinnedto arm 124 attached to door 91. The solenoid SOL-2 is pivotally mountedin housing 100 so that extension of plunger 122 opens door 91 andretraction thereof closes door 91.

In its normal de-energized position, the plunger 122 is urged towardextension. Therefore, when the door 91 is unlatched, it is automaticallyopened. When solenoid SOL-2 is energized, plunger 122 is retracted andthe door 91 closed. Since the bolt 119 is extended when the door 91 isclosed, the door will be latched in its closed position.

As will be further explained in the operation section, the solenoidSOL-1 will be energized when vote lever 35 is pulled to open door 91.Solenoid SOL-2 will be energized when reset switch PB-3 is closed toclose door 91.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 15, ground connection 18-1A isconnected to connection 18-1B by wire 125, control connection 18-5A isconnected to connection 18-5B by wire 126, and wire 128 connects controlconnection 18-6A with connection 18-6B. Wire 129 connects hot connection18-7A with connection 18-7B, secondary hot connection 18-8A is connectedto connection 1888 by wire 130, and wire 131 connects secondary groundconnection 18-9A with connection 18-9B. Control connection 18-2A isconnected directly to connection 18-2B, control connection 18-4A isconnected directly to connection 18413, and control connection 18-3A isconnected to connection 18-3B through normally closed contacts R12-2 ofrelay R12.

The motor 95 is connected between wires 129 and 125. Coil RCll of relayR11 is connected between wires 128 and 129 in series with selectpushbutton switch PB-6 for selecting a write-in vote to be made. Oneside of counter C4 is connected to wire 130 while wire 135 connects theother side of counter C4 to normally open contacts R12-1 of relay R12.Wire 136 connects contacts R12-1 to wire 126. Wire 132 connects one sideof coil RC12 of relay R12 to wire 129 while the other side of coil RC12is connected to normally open contacts R11-1 of relay R11 by wire 134.Contacts R11-1 are in turn connected to wire 136. Wire 138 connectswires 134 and 135 and select light L6 is connected between wires 132 and135.

Therefore, it will be seen that the above described portion of thecircuit associated with relays R11 and R12 and counter C-4 operates in amanner similar to the corresponding portions of the vote modules 12 and15. Moreover, the motor is constantly energized as will be furtherexplained hereinafter.

Solenoid SOL-1 is connected between wires and and solenoid SOL-2 isconnected between wires 130 and 131. When counter 04 is energized,solenoid SOL-1 will also be energized to open the door 91. When themachine is reset, solenoid DOL-2 is energized to close the'door 91 asset forth in the operation section.

TERMINAL MODULE The terminal module 18 is best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 18and is placed at the end of each unit carried by the frame assembly J aswell as between a general election section GES and an independentelection section lES. The terminal module 18 serves two functions:first, it provides a ground return path for the lockout and selectionportions of the modules associated therewith and secondly, transfers thevote pulse producing function, the correction function, and the resetfunction to those modules following it.

As best seen in FIG. 18, ground connection 18-1A is connected toconnection 18-1B, hot connection 18-7A to connection 18-7B, secondaryhot connection 18-8A to connection 18-8B, and secondary groundconnection 18-9A to connection l8-9B. Control connection 18-2B is alsoconnected to ground connections 18-1A and 18-1B. Control connections18-2A, 18-3A and 18-4A are all connected to each other.

SLAVE INPUT MODULE The slave input module 19 as best seen in FIG. 19 hasthe same type housing as the terminal module 18. It is used when severalmodule stacks carried by different frame assemblies are necessary foreach voting machine and serves to transfer the functions of the inputmodule 10 so that one vote lever 35-and correct lever 36 control theentire machine. The module 19 is placed in the same position in thestack as the module 10.

Module 19 is provided with connections lA-VA which correspond toconnections l-,V of the input module 10. These corresponding connectionsare connected to each other via a coaxial cable (not shown) so that thefunctions of the module 10 will be transferred to that stack of modulesassociated with the slave module 19. g

Module 19 is also provided with connections lB-VB which are connected tocorresponding connections lA-VA so that other modules 19 may beconnected thereto. This allows further expansion of the voting machine.

The module 19 is also provided with connections 19-1 through 19-9 whichcorrespond to connections 10-1 through 10-9 of module 10. Connection IVAis connected to connections 19-1 and 19-2, connection 111A to connection19-7, connection 11A to connection 19-9 and [A to connection 19-8. Thiscauses the mod-

1. A vote counting module for use in a voting machine having a powersupply means comprising; a power operable vote counting means containedin said module, said vote counting means detailed for seriallyaccumulating individual votes cast for a candidate in an election, saidcounting means including selectively operable control means movablebetween an operable counting input condition and an inoperativecondition and wherein a count of one is registered in said countingmeans when said counting control means is in said operative inputcondition and in response to a power input pulse delivered from saidpower supply means and wherein said vote counting module includes firstand second group of operative and releasable connecting elementsdetailed for operatively connecting said module to a second modulehaving complementary connecting elements, said releasable connectingelements detailed for transmitting power to said counting control meansand for transmitting power from one group of said connecting elements tosaid other group of connecting elements.
 2. A vote counting module asdescribed in claim 1 further characterized in that said vote countingmodule includes an operative interlock means operatively associated withsaid counting means, said interlock means including means detailed forrendering said counting means inoperative in response to an interlockpulse transmitted thereto from one of said groups of releasableconnecting elements.
 3. A vote counting module for use in an assembly ofa plurality of such modules comprising: a. a housing having opposedsides and a front surface; b. said front surface of said housingproviding an area for displaying a name of a candiate; c. control meanson said front surface of said housing adjacent said area, said controlmeans being actuatable by a voter to indicate his selection of saidcandidate; d. connection means in at least one side of said housing forinterconnection with a connection means of a next adjacent module whensuch next adjacent module is nested therewith and being readilydisconnectable with such connection means of said next adjacent modulewhen the individual module is removed from its nested condition; e.counter means in said housing for serially counting the number of votesfor such candidate; and f. circuit means within said housing forelectrically connecting said control means, said counter means, and saidconnection means, the circuit being so arranged that when said controlmeans is actuated, it conditions said counter means for counting a unitreceipt of a pulse through said connection means.